Open wide the gates of hope and let us through
One of the most disturbing scenes in Serenity is after Captain Malcolm Reynolds, on the run while trying to discover the secret kept by the highest echelons of the tyrannical Alliance, discovers that practically all of his friends and business partners have been hunted down by the Alliance’s Operative. The Operative calls to ask him, … Read more
That Christmas Feeling
I’m not sure I’m ready for Advent to be over, yet. That seems strange to say, or even feel. But I love Advent’s sense of expectation, of hope, of breathless desire. Moreover, I feel like I’m not ready for Christmas to be here. Not everything is ready at home, I haven’t made things right with … Read more
Harry Potter’s Two Monuments
Like the rest of (what seems like) the country, Christie and I headed to the cinema this weekend to watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 … twice. There are a number of good reviews out there, including those appearing online at Pop Theology, Relevant Mag, Think Christian, and Christianity Today, so I … Read more
Confessing Christ the King
When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. [[ Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’]] And they cast lots to divide his clothing. And the people stood … Read more
What would you teach your leaders?
I’m putting together a leadership curriculum for the student leaders in my campus ministry. For good or for ill, I’m staying away from how-to books (though there are some good ones) and instead provoking a deeper level of reflection about servant-leadership and Christian formation. Here’s what I’m toying with (yes, I know it’s a long … Read more
Strangers and Foreigners on the Earth
The famed 11th chapter of Hebrews came up in the lectionary this week, and I really am taken with how Abraham’s faith in particular is narrated. The language of movement bookends chapter 11: chapter 10 ends with an exhortation to be among those who do not “shrink back,” while chapter 12 leads off with the … Read more
Samwise the Brave
Well, if you haven’t heard already, Hale #3 arrived yesterday at 11:58 am. Samuel Wayne Hale was born 6 lbs, 1 oz, and 19 1/4 inches long. He’s an exceptional young man! He tests well already, having passed both Apgar and hearing tests with flying colors. He’s working on being a regular Hale, eating well … Read more
10 Ideas for 2011′s Texas Annual Conference
I love going to Annual Conference; the changes which Texas has made to make it more accessible, more interesting, and more vibrant has really changed my attitude. And worship–wow. I’d put Melissa Burnham and DeAndre Johnson up against anyone in the country for their ability to lead an amazing group of people into new heights … Read more
And You Give Yourself Away
The theme for this year’s Texas Annual Conference, reflecting the idea of Extravagant Generosity, immediately calls to mind U2′s anthemic “With or Without You.” Without a doubt, it was one of the best annual conferences I’ve been a part of. The highlight was Tuesday night’s service in which my wonderful wife Christie was ordained as … Read more
I Don’t Hold To That
This is part 2 of “Theology in the ‘Verse,” which deals with Joss Whedon’s Firefly TV series as it is continued in the feature film Serenity. This post contains spoilers, so if you are planning on watching the episodes or movie, check them out first and then come back to read and comment! What do … Read more
